Morgan: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Morgan mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Welsh: Sea-born or sea circle; bright
Irish: Great brightness or white sea dweller
Mythology: Enchantress half-sister of Arthur

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Morgan is pronounced mor-gan

The name Morgan has both Welsh and Irish origins. It's derived from the Old Welsh name Morcant, which translates to "sea-born" or "sea-bright." In Irish, Morgan means "great brightness" or "white sea dweller." The name has been historically associated with figures like Morgan le Fay in Arthurian legend and remains popular in modern culture.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Morgan mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Welsh: Sea defender or sea chief
Irish: Great king or warrior of the sea; lives by the sea

Gender: Male, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Morgan is pronounced mor-gan

As a boy's name, Morgan has strong Welsh and Irish roots. In Welsh, it translates to "sea defender" or "sea chief," reflecting a leadership or protective role associated with the sea. In Irish, Morgan means "great king" or "warrior of the sea," indicating nobility and strength. Throughout history, the name Morgan has been linked to both mythical and historical figures, maintaining its esteemed standing in contemporary society.

Family name origins & meanings

Welsh: from the Old Welsh personal name Morcant, which is of uncertain but ancient etymology.

Irish: importation of the Welsh surname, to which has been assimilated more than one Gaelic surname, notably Ó Muireagáin (see Merrigan).

Scottish: of uncertain origin; probably from a Gaelic personal name cognate with Welsh Morcant.

Morgan is one of the oldest and commonest of Welsh surnames, but there is also a Scottish family called Morgan, established from medieval times in Aberdeenshire, with connections with the McKays. The Scottish name is probably not the result of Welsh migration, but was established independently. Abel Morgan (1673–1722), a baptist clergyman, was born in Cardiganshire, South Wales, and emigrated to Philadelphia in 1712, establishing churches in PA, DE, and NJ.

Famous people with this first name

Morgan Freeman

Famous people with this last name

Tracy Morgan

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Clint Eastwood

Morgan in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Morgan le Fay from Arthurian Legends - A powerful enchantress and sister to King Arthur.
Morgan Jones from The Walking Dead - A survivor in the post-apocalyptic world of the series.
Morgan Grimes from Chuck - The best friend of the main character, Chuck Bartowski.
Morgan Brody from CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - A CSI Level 1 who works the graveyard shift.
Captain Morgan from Pirates of the Caribbean - A fictional representation of the historical pirate Henry Morgan.

Popularity of the Name Morgan

According to Social Security Administration data, Morgan has maintained a steady presence in the U.S. baby name rankings. It is often associated with both boys and girls, although its popularity for girls has surged in recent decades. Historically, Morgan was more commonly given to boys, but it transitioned to a unisex name over time.

Notable historical figures named Morgan include the infamous pirate Henry Morgan and financier J.P. Morgan. In modern times, the name has been popularized by celebrities such as actor Morgan Freeman and actress Morgan Fairchild. Fictional characters named Morgan have appeared in various media, including the TV series The Walking Dead, where Morgan Jones is a key character, and the Arthurian legends where Morgan le Fay is a prominent figure.